Think about the mood of your fellow Americans. Better yet, test them! We’ve started a movement among Christians. It has many components. One is to test the mood of those who are not functional Christians. Our database is over 1,000 people from all over the country.
Here’s what you do:
- Think of people in your social network who are functionally (We’re not asking others to judge people about what’s in their hearts. Jesus said, “Don’t do that” (Matthew 7:1). Just focus on those who you already know and recognize who never attend worship. (Remember, they might be believers, but likely are not.)
- Ask this simple question: What do you think life will be like for your grandchildren? (If their grandchildren are already adults, switch the question to mention “great grandchildren.” The idea is to project out a couple of decades.)
- Here’s what we hear: 99% of the time, it’s something like this, “Not very good.” (Further, if you just remain silent, most of these people will go on to say why. They’ll talk about the likelihood of no Social Security for their grandchildren. They’ll talk about government debt beyond recovery. They’ll talk about corruption, shootings, on and on and on.)
Here’s the real story. They are hopeless. What does that mean for Christians? The timing is becoming perfect for people to hear the good news about Jesus!
Think about this: When did God send Jesus? Since He’s God, He could have picked anytime He wanted. The time He chose is, Israel, under foreign occupation! How would you feel if the most feared army in the world was all over your nation? Remember, these guys practice crucifixion! How would you like these people in your village. In your city. Everywhere? Add to that, the promise you live by: That God gave this particular land to you and your people. Then add to that the reality that these Romans took a good chunk of your money through heavy taxes and sent that money to Rome to support a pagan emperor!
How would you feel? You would feel…hopeless! No wonder the apostles could call Jesus, “The HOPE of the world.” No wonder, 1 Peter has a verse that says, “Remember at all times to share the HOPE that is within you.” Their world was ripe for HOPE. Our world is ripe for HOPE.
When you hear bad news, see newscasts of horrible acts, read about tragedies, ask these questions:
- What will God do with this?
- What can I do with this?
- How does this provide opportunities for faith in Jesus Christ?
Share the HOPE that is within you!
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